When it comes to providing a warm welcome, no one does it better than Jane Garfoot. And regulars at her seaside hotel have said a resounding "Cheers!" by nominating her for our Champions of the North awards.

Jane, who took over the Old Ship Hotel at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, in March this year, has made the hotel the small town's favourite watering hole and social spot.

William Smith, one of the locals who put her forward for the Champion Pubmaster Licensee award, says she is without doubt the best landlady in the area.

"She is one of the nicest ladies I've met," he said. "Running a hotel is very stressful but she copes very well, always polite to all customers.

"She really is something special with a lovely personality. She's the creme de la creme!"

Part of Jane's charm is the way she spends time with everyone.

"She is a special person who has made such an improvement to the bar," says longtime customer Fiona King.

"She goes out of her way to help people and always makes sure she has time to sit and listen to them.

"She loves to help out with fundraising and sponsorship of local charities as well, by donating things or getting involved in any way she can. She really is a champion."

But in true champion style, Jane remains modest about her success.

"I love working here, the people are wonderful and they've made me very, very welcome since I've arrived," she said.

"And now for them to do something like this, well, it's wonderful really.

"But I don't deserve all the credit. The people of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea are what makes this place special, I'm just the lady who runs the hotel."

V Do you know a Pubmaster licensee who deserves a pat on the back?

There is still time to get nominations in for the Sunday Sun's Champions of the North awards.

Together with Pubmaster and Tyne Tees Television, we are scouring the region for unsung heroes.

There are eight categories to enter, and our winners will receive &#xA3;500 cash and a trophy at a glittering awards ceremony in September.

The winners will be chosen by a judging panel including representatives of Pubmaster and Tyne Tees, a celebrity and Sunday Sun editor Peter Montellier.

Tyne Tees Television will feature some of our stories in its evening broadcasts over the coming weeks, and will produce a half-hour show of the awards night in September.